The Spaniard is set to return to the Emirates on Sunday as part of a Chelsea side that has run away with the Premier League title so far. The 27-year-old has been especially important for Jose Mourinho’s side, having managed an impressive 19 assists and five goals for the team in all competitions.

This will sadden Gunners fans, who had revered the midfielder until he left the North London club in 2011. However, his history with the side wasn’t enough to make Wenger take up their buy back option on the Spain international before he left for their local rivals.

Instead the Frenchman seems to have trusted in Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil to bring creativity to his side, which with his team ten points behind the league leaders may have been a mistake.

The 65-year-old said: “The regret I have is that he wanted to leave here. This club and myself had a very positive influence on Cesc’s life, so I would be a bit uncomfortable to have to justify today why he is not here. I believe I would rather it was the other way around.”